In recent editions of the Daily Globe, readers expressed concerns regarding the Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (otherwise known as the “Cap-and-Trade Bill”). I take a different view.

Congressman Walz showed true leadership when he ensured the bill contained protections for farmers and opportunities for agricultural investment. Walz worked with Ag Committee Chairman Collin Peterson, amending the Cap-and-Trade Bill to include a new income source for farmers that allows them to earn carbon credits by sequestering (or trapping) carbon dioxide in the soil. This means that farmers can maintain their own lands and earn a significant profit by selling their carbon credits.

Furthermore, Walz and Peterson ensured that the U.S. Department of Agriculture — not the EPA — would oversee the implementation of Cap-and-Trade in rural areas. This allows farmers who engage in minimum tillage farming to be eligible for carbon-sequestration contracts through the USDA and farmer membership organizations.

Walz listened to his constituents and stuck to his word. He ensured that the profit farmers stand to make from Cap-and-Trade will be far greater than the marginal increases in costs others have pointed to. I’m glad I have a congressman in Washington who’ll stand up for farmers and rural communities. I know we can continue to count on Tim Walz.